August and Other Insights

Why is August such a sad month? Could it be because we’re past the adrenalin rush of spring and the explosive summer symphony of color is coming to an end?

In my part of the country, hydrangeas are the signal that summer is nearly over.  Sunflowers and black-eyed susans do their best to drive a late crescendo but we all know that in August, the harmony is winding down.

The art community is nearly invisible during this trimester. New exhibits rarely open in late summer so out of the catacombs of museums come old stored treasures, curated under some new title in an effort to seduce anyone spending a lazy Saturday in town.  Private galleries (if they stay open at all) advertise “group shows” – usually unimaginative rehashing of previously seen pieces.

People traditionally feel that Fall is the saddest season but I vote for August, thirty-one days to hibernate under a fan and wait for the energizing winds of September.

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I’ve spent time on the laptop recently and discovered notes on a lecture by W. Gary Smith, a landscape architect/artist. He says that certain shapes and patterns repeat mysteriously in nature that please the human eye and lift the soul.  He uses scientific data to prove that good design isn’t some fad, or a matter of “having good taste.” We humans are hard wired to respond psychologically (and therefore, physically) to this miraculous order.

Here are photographs from his web site illustrating two parts of a garden he designed for Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia.

Next, I discovered Mari Anderson an artist who calls herself an “obsessive collector of fragile objects that might otherwise go unnoticed.” 

Her installations (beginning with her studio walls) instantly make me smile and I begin thinking about  “noticing” and arranging? Why are some people so much more attuned to these bits and “see” what others of us walk right past?  And what about her arrangements? 

In my imaginary salon, I would seat Ms. Anderson and Mr. Smith across from one another and prepare to be dazzled by their insight.

A Small Rant on a Hot Day

CHANGE. 

COMMUNITY. 

DESIGN IMPACTS HOW PEOPLE LIVE AND RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER.

ART IS NOT ISOLATED BUT SHOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO EVERY ENVIRONMENT.

These truths I hold self-evident. 

I am being tested at every turn these days.  I live in what should be a perfect set-up that enfolds privacy but close proximity to others, walking distance to the city and its services but surrounded by broad lawns with 100-year-old trees.  This is small foot print living and I am one of the elite of this world: an educated, intelligent, talented woman of means.  What’s not to like?

Absolutely NOTHING!  Except that “change” for most people is a threat to be avoided with all effort possible because “the devil you know is better than the devil you haven’t met yet.” “Community” brings with it a willingness to become involved with each other and shared issues and I am feeling alone in the struggle on my little corner.

As for “art” and “design,” I might as well introduce cannibalism.  Most Americans know about as much about one as the other. It is a tragic oversight in our educational, political and even professional conversation.  And I’m not talking about “the history of painting” or “Drawing 101”. I’m referring to the choices we make every day and “settling” for the easy, the convenient, the “o.k.- is- good -enough” trap.

For too much of our lives, most of us feel overwhelmed and merely keeping our feet traveling forward and our heads straight requires all the energy we can muster. I do appreciate that.  And if you are raising teenagers or corn, if you are fighting for civil rights or better health care, if you are doing ANYTHING that’s hard, that’s exhausting, that forwards civility, BRAVO AND HATS OFF TO YOU!   

BUT THE DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT STILL COUNTS. IF YOU DON’T KNOW – OR DON’T WANT TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER – PAY ATTENTION TO THOSE THAT DO.  SPEND SOME MONEY IF YOU CAN.  DO THE WORK IF YOU’RE ABLE.

AT THE VERY LEAST, GET OUT OF MY WAY!

Garage doors show "before" and "after"...too much for my neighbors. I got slapped on the wrist.
The lattice wall shows most recent change. It was pink before...we painted and added trim and thanks to dear Jeff Kell, I had photo showing exactly what change would look like. Oooooops....